The heart of a digital recording rig is the A/D or D/A converter. An audio converter is what converts the signal from the analog source of a microphone into a digital representation that we can manipulate inside our favorite DAW. It then transfers that digital signal back into analog so you can hear it through your studio monitors, assign it to outboard dynamic processing, or send it to be mixed on an analog desk. The quality of your converter can make or break the sound of your recordings and mixes, so make sure you pair the converter for the quality of music you are looking to produce. With a wide variety of options available, choose from smaller two channel converters like the Audient iD22, Burl BS Bomber, or Crane Song HEDD 192. For a larger rig, look into options like the Antelope Audio Orion 32 HD, Universal Audio 16 MKII, Avid HD I/O, Burl Audio M80 Mothership, or Focusrite RedNet2, which offer expandable I/O to fit the largest recording rigs.

When expanding your system past one converter, make sure to pair your recording rig with a quality clocking system. A clock will speak to all connected devices, and make sure they are all in sync while recording. Models like the Avid Sync HD, Black Lion Audio Micro Clock MKIII, Antelope Audio Eclipse 384, and Benchmark DAC2 are a great choice when expanding your studio.